US3673720A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Changeable sign
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-09-11
•
Granted: 1972-07-04
•
Expires: 1990-09-11
Abstract
Abstract A changeable sign in which the letter panels form the background of the sign as well as carrying the indica. The letters carry horizontal tongues on their upper and lower edges which fit into grooves locking the letters therein. The framework of the changeable sign is mounted for vertical movement so that it may be lowered to the ground for changing the letters. End caps lock the letters in their groove support to prevent pilferage. Moveable guide poles are used to guide the framework as it is moved vertically to prevent damage to the sign and injury to the operator. Counter weights are used to support the weight of the sign through a system of pulleys so that the sign can be easily moved up and down as required.
Inventors
- 👤 William S Thornton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:27
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F7/00; G09F7/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A changeable sign mounted for vertical reciprocation beneath an overhead sign comprising a pair of upright spaced apart parallel guide pipes depending from and secured to said overhead sign, a sign frame slidably mounted for vertical reciprocation on said guide pipes, removable guide posts secured to the lower ends of said guide pipes and extending downwardly therefrom to the ground, said sign frame being slidable on said guide posts, said sign frame having at least one pair of spaced apart keyhole slots extending longitudinally thereacross and a plurality of letter panels with each of said letter panels having an integral tongue formed on its upper and lower edges for sliding engagement in said slots.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A changeable sign mounted for vertical reciprocation beneath an overhead sign comprising a pair of upright spaced apart parallel guide pipes depending from and secured to said overhead sign, a sign frame slidably mounted for vertical reciprocation on said guide pipes, removable guide posts secured to the lower ends of said guide pipes and extending downwardly therefrom to the ground, said sign frame being slidable on said guide posts, said sign frame having at least one pair of spaced apart keyhole slots extending longitudinally thereacross and a plurality of letter panels with each of said letter panels having an integral tongue formed on its upper and lower edges for sliding engagement in said slots.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said letter panels have interfitting vertical edges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said interfitting edges of said letter panels are V shaped.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein counter weight means are provided on said overhead sign for counter weighting said sign frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein a vertical guide on said overhead sign guides each of said counter weights.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein a socket is provided in the ground underlying said sign and means are provided on each of said guide posts for engaging in said socket.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein means are provided on said sign frame for locking said letter panels in said slots against endwise movement therefrom.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein means are provided on said overhead sign for releasably latching said sign frame in elevated position with respect thereto.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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US2123329A
Cited
US2309769A
Cited
US2591494A
Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
US3579880A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-04 | 1976-01-03 | 1976-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-04 | 1980-01-03 | 1980-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-04 | 1984-01-03 | 1984-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |